“I never thought you’d ask me,” said my conscience with a hint of I told you so in his voice.
“I always listen to you. It’s my number one rule. You know that,” I retorted.
“Should I list the times you didn’t listen to me to your readers? Imagine what La Flor, Little Carmen, TT, and Carmela will think of you if I post your slip ups on my Facebook page.
“You wouldn’t?” I asked.
“I don’t have a conscience to listen to. I am the conscience.”
“I don’t like your attitude,” I said.
“I don’t like you hanging out with shady characters. Do you read your blogs?” My conscience asked.
“If I could like them more than once I would read them all day,” I said.
“Ah, the ego has taken hold of you. That’s the problem, isn’t Ray? Think of where you’re leading Little Carmen. The nitwit can’t find his way home when he’s on the sidewalk in front of his house. What about La Flor? She’ll flirt with anyone who rich, and will help her get all she wants. Is that the kind of character you want to create?”
“Hey, conscience. Cut La Flor some slack. She’s beautiful, tough, and edgy. She’s smart. She’s savvy. I like La Flor,” I said.
“Oh, I get it, you want to move Little Carmen aside so you can have La Flor all to yourself.”
“What are you talking about? She’s an alt ego. A created character. No wonder I don’t listen to you.”
“Life would be better if you did?” said my conscience.
“What do you suggest. I’m giving you a chance and it better be good.”
“La Flor should go to a third-world country and do missionary work. Little Carmen should be a Big Brother to inner city kids. TT should work for Apple. And, Carmela, she can wait on tables at Carmen’s Pizzeria.”
“What about Big Carmen and Lil Carlo?” I asked.
Before my conscience can speak. …
“Hey, Ray. Is your conscience bothering use?” said Big Carmen swaggering into the room.
“Stay out of this Big Carmen. It’s between Ray and me,” said my conscience.
“I needs the beautiful, tough, and edgy one. My boy is going to gets a very serious promotion when I can thinks of something to promote him to. And, as for Lil Carlo, give me a break. He’s got a good heart, even if he’s nuts. Now beat it, and leave my man, Ray alone.”
“Thanks, Big Carmen.”
“I’m watching you, Ray,” said my conscience pointing his finger at me as he walked out the door.
